Re: Dr. PZ Myers on Reality Deniers
IMO, what is lacking in our present society is critical thinking. We have been conditioned to believe what so called experts tell us is true, without questioning and critical thinking.
This can be seen from people on both sides of every argument.
Taking personal responsibility, doing your own research, and learning, and coming to an informed opinion, based on evidence, not faith, is the reward for critical thinking.
Question everything, use sound logic, rather than emotional reactions, do your homework, learn something about the subject you are forming an opinion about, and be able to provide evidence if you are going to make claims. (A little hint here: your opinion or belief is not evidence). It is a good idea to look at the big picture with any subject, look at any possible agenda the person putting forward a claim, may have.
Barriers to critical thinking:
Engaging in sterotyping and sweeping generalisations.
Attacking the person, not the information.
Thinking that your, (or someone else's opinion or belief is evidence).
Making assumptions, or leaps of logic, that are not evidence based.
Ignoring the possibility that you could be wrong.
These are a few barriers, there are more.
This link gives a good definition of critical thinking, certainly worth a click.
http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/definingCT.cfm
spud